Welcome

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics supports the education of students interested in a career in bioinformatics or clinical research. Our graduates master core competencies that allow them to participate in biological research, clinical and population health research, or research to develop innovative information systems. We work passionately to equip the next generation of health researchers by emphasizing patient-oriented research in the context of state-of-the-art medical informatics.

Who are our students?

All of our students have earned a bachelor’s level degree from a nationally-accredited university. Many of our students have also earned a graduate degree or a graduate level professional degree in various fields. Their diverse backgrounds include biology, computer science, mathematics, and other allied health professions. Often our students have limited clinical experience and need exposure to the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving field of clinical research.

What do our students do after graduation?

We anticipate that graduates will participate in and/or direct domestic and international research projects, public health activities, and clinical practice with evidenced-based orientations. The list below suggests other ways graduates will impact the health of their community:

Research and publish on the role of biomedical informatics in genetic research

Work across disciplines such as engineering, computer science, and health care

Contribute to advances in biomedical informatics

Our Collaborative Approach

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is offered through a joint effort by the UMKC School of Medicine, School of Biological Sciences and School of Computing and Engineering.

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics program offers three emphasis areas so students receive a tailored degree. Four core courses are required for each area (12 credit hours), which lay a foundation for specialized courses and electives. There is also the option to complete the Master of Science in Bioinformatics without an emphasis area, which provides an interdisciplinary curriculum to meet a student’s specific program goals.

The M.S. Bioinformatics (without an emphasis area) gives students flexibility to complete a bioinformatics curriculum that best meets their academic and career goals.

Clinical Researchemphasizes the creation and understanding of data generated by patient care and clinical studies and on the statistical methodology needed for clinical research and improved bedside care.

Computational emphasizes the development and use of the next generation of bioinformatics tools and software.

Genomics emphasizes the use of existing software for biological analysis and the analysis of a diverse set of biological data.

Both the Clinical Research and Computational areas give students the choice between completing a 6-hour thesis or a 3-hour capstone project paired with an additional 3-hour elective. Click on the links below to learn more about the thesis and Capstone options: